Mancini: Derby could decide title

Roberto Mancini believes the English Premier League title will be decided in Manchester City’s clash with Manchester United on April 28.

The Manchester rivals sit level on points at the top of the table, and City manager Mancini expects them to remain neck and neck throughout the title race.

Mancini told The Daily Mirror: “If we are strong enough, I think it will be decided with the game at home (against United) probably.”

“We are on top, we are happy and know we have another 21 games.”

After a blockbusting start to the season, including an incredible 6-1 thrashing of United at Old Trafford in October, City have stuttered of late, drawing with Liverpool and West Brom and suffering defeat to Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Alex Ferguson’s United have gained form since the derby-day demolition, winning seven of their eight Premier League games, with consecutive 5-0 scorelines helping to close the goal difference gap between the two clubs.